The Fantastic Four: Shaft Attachment Methods

PTI proudly offers all four insert types for mounted ball bearings: Setscrew Locking, Eccentric Locking Collar, Concentric Clamp Collar and Tapered Adapter Sleeve. Understanding the features of each and the differences between them will help ensure you’re using the best shaft attachment method for you.

SETSCREW LOCKING
How it works: Two screws are tightened to clamp the bearing onto the shaft. The contact between the bearing and the shaft is concentrated on the opposite side of the setscrews. This is the most popular mounting method.
Note: Setscrews can cause significant fretting corrosion, making removal very difficult after years of operation.

ECCENTRIC LOCKING COLLAR
How it works: As the collar is twisted into place, it locks the bearing to the shaft. The contact of the bearing is slightly more distributed than the setscrew locking method.
Note: These are unidirectional and are not intended for reversing loads. Like the setscrew method, the eccentric locking collar can cause significant fretting corrosion, making removal very difficult after years of operation.

CONCENTRIC CLAMP COLLAR
How it works: Tangs on the extended inner ring of the bearing lock down when the collar is twisted into place. The contact of the bearing is evenly distributed around a small ring around the shaft.
Note: This is a good method to use to minimize vibration.

TAPERED ADAPTER SLEEVE
How it works: This bearing has a tapered adapter, a locking washer, and a locking nut. As the locking nut is tightened with a spanner wrench, the adapter is drawn through the bearing and tightened to the shaft. The contact of the bearing is evenly distributed around the shaft.
Note: This bearing has the highest purchase price and will take the longest to install, but allows for minimal shaft damage and highest possible speeds with the least amount of vibration.

To learn more, click here for a video detailing the installation process and proper bearing maintenance.

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About PTI: P.T. International Corp. (PTI) offers a wide range of European Metric and American Standard Industrial Power Transmission Products. We have mounted ball bearings, spherical roller bearings, SAF and SDAF split pillow blocks, SN/SNG and SD split Plummer blocks, split block accessories and more. We stock a full-range of split pillow/Plummer blocks up to 21 inches and 400mm. Think of PTI or those “hard-to-find” large housings, spherical roller bearings and accessories.

Want to learn more about PTI? Click here to view our company overview video. Check out other videos, information and more at www.ptintl.com.